A VENEZUELAN man who came to live in Eastbourne and died when he was knocked off his bike by a car had come here to improve his English and make a success of himself, his aunt told the Herald as she paid tribute to the 26-year-old.
Sonia Moncada de Villamizar came to the town for the first time for the inquest of her nephew, Franco Sicurella, who worked at Gardners Books and was struck by a hit-and-run driver on July 20 last year.
A verdict of accidental death was recorded, although the collision investigator said the crash was caused by Franco either not looking properly before he crossed the road or failing to appreciate the speed and distance of an approaching car.
The coroner heard the two women who hit him, Gemma Kingdon and Saffron Homewood, drove away directly after the accident, abandoned the car and did not tell the police.
Ms Homewood was jailed for 12 weeks in December last year and banned from driving for 12 months. Ms Kingdon was charged with driving with no insurance and fined £200, plus £50 costs.
His aunt, who said she had come to the inquest into Franco's death on behalf of his mother, Alba Moncada, told the Herald he came to Eastbourne in February 2005 to work and study. She said, "His dream and project was supported by his parents and family and we are all very proud of what he accomplished until his tragic death.
"He had worked on his English language, he had a steady job which he enjoyed doing, and was saving money to continue studying something related to his studies in Venezuela to become a dental technician. He was a fighter.
"During his spare time he enjoyed spending time with friends, riding his bike, walking, surfing and skateboarding and he loved all sorts of sports.
"He always made sure he had time to practise at least one these activities every day.
"Franco was shy and quiet but with a very positive attitude to whoever needed his help. He had a big heart and the most beautiful smile you had ever seen."
Franco was the son of a Venezuelan mother and an Italian father, the oldest of three children. He is survived by his parents, a 25-year-old brother and 20-year-old sister.
Sonia said, "They were a happy family until this terrible tragedy occurred which changed them for life because Franco is no longer with us."
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